The Politics of Animal Welfare
- Login to post comments
Acknowledging that there are folks on here less concerned with animal welfare than with the economy, etc., I do believe that many of you would still be interested in knowing what's going on in Maine with regard to animal abuse and neglect, and the lack of action on the part of our Department of Agriculture's Animal Welfare Program. The AWP is currently run by Director Norma Worley. Worley has come under serious fire in the past two weeks, but really has led a polemic tenure since she started in 2003. Over the past few years Worley has either acted to seize a huge amount of animals (dogs from Buxton) under questionable circumstances (see KJ/Morning Sentinal story from 2/2008 at http://www.wabi.tv/news/10063/horse-care-in-clinton-questioned ) or has failed to act in cases of overt abuse and neglect as reported on NickerNews.net at http://www.nickernews.net/searsport-abused-horses.aspx Worley is no stranger to controversy or complaints. She was disciplined in California while working as an animal cruelty investigator after she and her department were sued. In fact, she has also been sued here in Maine as well (Murphy v. State of Maine, et al).
Some allege that Worley is an animal rights nazi, some argue that she is more into selectively enforcing the laws she is statutorily required to enforce. Some have alleged mismanagement of her 1.2 million dollar budget, sending agents to Texas and Colorado for expensive trainings to the tune of $25,000 in one year while animals suffered due to lack of action blamed on budget constraints. Many are calling for her to step down or for Seth Bradstreet, the Commissioner of Agriculture, to fire her. Interestingly, those seeking her removal are on either ends of the animal husbandry spectrum, from people who breed animals to animal welfare advocates. Politics does indeed make strange bedfellows.
At the present time, the Maine horse community is up in arms about a case in Clinton that has been publicized on WABI http://www.wabi.tv/news/10063/horse-care-in-clinton-questioned as well as NickerNews.net at http://www.nickernews.net/horses-in-desparate-need.aspx and even MPBN. http://www.mpbn.net/Home/tabid/36/ctl/ViewItem/mid/3478/ItemId/10997/Def... Given the severity of the charges levied from so many different directions, surely there are some valid concerns. Even members of the Animal Welfare Advisory Committee, a commission of stakeholders who offer advisory opinions to Worley, have voiced concerns about Worley's efficacy as the chief of Animal Welfare. Meris Bickford, AWAC member, attorney and representative of the Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals (MSSPA), Maine's oldest and largest animal shelter, has expressed concerns about this situation. It was Bickford's complaint that initiated the whole investigation of Fair Play Farm to begin with.
As one delves into the politics of animal welfare, obvious questions come to mind... How can a public servant whose statutorily defined job is to enforce humane laws decide when or whether to bother? Is it long past time for Norma Worley to resign? The answer to that seems apparent. There is no confidence in her from any animal-related front to warrant her continued employment in that position. She is now causing detriment to the program and ultimately to the animals she's supposedly there to protect. I believe it is time for the Animal Welfare Program to be removed from the purview of the Department of Agriculture, where there is obvious conflict of interest, and move it under the auspices of Public Safety where law enforcement belongs.
Interesting stuff.. thanks for posting the information.
It should be pointed out that Carol Murphy, the individual suing Worley, was convicted by a jury of animal cruelty in 2004 and is currently awaiting trial for a variety of new charges, including allegedly hitting a Maine State Trooper in the face with a stun gun.
Murphy has a history of lawsuits against state and judicial officials, to a point where a judge enjoined future filings without review.
I'm not saying this invalidates your arguments about Worley, but that lawsuit is pretty meaningless.
I'd suggest eliminating her position, putting $250 K a year into the dept of Ag., and having them farm out investigations to the feds and local animal control officers wherever possible. this would not be revisited until Maine's unemployment rate dips below 5%.
The ONLY DPS jurisdiction over ANIMALS ought to be in cases of anthrax outbreak / biowarfare and the like. Animal welfare should, in these times, be a tertiary or quarternary consideration,several orders of magnitude lower than rebuilding tourism and bridge inspection.
PS: I am not merely unconcerned with "animal welfare". I view many of the proponents as "the enemy".
I have never understood the rationale behind licensing dogs, as opposed to cats, birds, fish, gerbils, and other household pets.
Worley has either acted to seize a huge amount of animals (dogs from Buxton) under questionable circumstances
The circumstances in Buxton were anything but questionable. It was a puppy mill and the animals there were NOT properly cared for.
I am as hands-off as the next guy, but something ain't stirring the Kool-aid in that program. If they're doing such a bang-up job, then would someone please explain their apathy at this:
This horse was AT the farm in my OP. Please tell me I didn't join a forum full of people who represent the apathetic, heartless conservatives that liberals often brand us as. If I have a liberal streak it would be that I believe that the defenseless, particularly children and animals, that have no voice need protection. I believe fully that everyone should demonstrate personal responsibility. Unfortunately, we live in a world where that just doesn't happen. So should we, who claim to be civilized, educated citizens, just overlook this kind of abuse? I can't. I would no more overlook an animal being beaten and starved than I would a child. You would?
As for Carol Murphy, she's clearly paranoid delusional, but there are some resonating truths embedded in her erratic rants.
Justah, if there's indeed abuse going on then I'm sure you'll find many of us highly sympathetic. This whole story, however, is being driven by "nickernews.net" or whatever it is. How credible a source are they? What's their agenda?
I think many of us here have been around the block enough times to want to have some clear facts before we get all heated up.
Some of it is driven by drama, absolutely. However, there is clear documentation of neglect/cruelty from this farm, prior similarly documented complaints that have not been acted upon resulting in many animals, particularly horses, dying. This documentation starts in 2003 and continues to the present, demonstrating a long history of what is at best ineffective, and at worst corrupt leadership. I believe some of the regulations including onerous kennel licenses, vendor licenses, dog licenses, have put an unreasonable burden on responsible dog owners and fanciers, actually. I would hate to see that progression continue as groups push for stable licenses and inspections because of the inefficacy of the current director.
Justamainah, thanks for bringing up this very important topic.
I am in agreement with your assessment of "Worley's efficacy" since she was hired for the job.
For what it's worth, I've been involved in 'animal welfare' (both domestic and wildlife related) for decades, to various degrees in four different states. So, you can probably say I'm very interested in this whole subject for a variety of reasons.
I'm in agreement with you that the 'animal welfare industy' is completely politicized. That is not said to 'demonize' every person who is involved in efforts to protect animals, nor every person in an administrative position in the industry. That would be a stupid thing to say.
It is however, imo, a realistic view of the inner workings of the BUSINESS of animal welfare. And a BUSINESS (read FOR PROFIT) it more often that not has become.
I agree with your statement:
I believe it is time for the Animal Welfare Program to be removed from the purview of the Department of Agriculture, where there is obvious conflict of interest, and move it under the auspices of Public Safety where law enforcement belongs.
Interestingly enough, I recently had this same discussion with a LEO friend, who is also interested in animal welfare issues. 'Conflict of interest' came up in the conversation, among many other reasons...
I would hate to see that progression continue as groups push for stable licenses and inspections because of the inefficacy of the current director.
Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy - you just hit one of my hot buttons. I completely agree with you and will stop while I'm ahead for now!
One of the effects I have seen is that when a problem with a small percentage of any population screws up, legislators can't help themselves, they'll use the situation to impose a new fee or tax to "fix things." ... as Obama stooge Emanuel says,y ou don't ever want a crisis to go to waste." Fees have never made anyone more responsible, in fact only the responsible people will even pay them! I can see this devolving into one of those situations. Further regulation of those who responsibly enjoy their animals is not fair and could be avoided by Worley quietly retiring.
Or getting the boot. I don't care which.
the boot works for me...and better scrutiny for her replacement.
Justa....this is why I enjoy AMG. Diverse interests with a common thread. Thanks for bringing this to light.
Thanks Justa. As previously stated; Children and animals have no voice. To wittness and ignore their silent suffering and torment, is to be almost as guilty as the perpertrator, imho. I urge all not to be afraid to speak out against cruelty, no matter where it is found. I am of the belief that what we do to "others", we do to ourselves.
As far as this specific case goes, I really don't have enough information to voice an educated opinion.
- Login to post comments
OH and by the way, the annual budget for the AWP is 1.2 million, of which approximately $100,000 is allocated for Norma's salary and benefits.